The New River State Park is a North Carolina State Park in Ashe County, North Carolina. The park covers 2,781 acres in the protected New River watershed. The New River is considered to be one of the oldest rivers in the world, possibly being between 10 million and 360 million years old. 
Rugged hillsides, pastoral meadows and picturesque farmlands surround the New River. Its waters are slow and placid. Its banks are fertile and covered with wildflowers. Dedicated as a National Scenic River in 1976, this gentle river is the centerpiece of New River State Park.
The park offers cancoeing, hiking, picnicking, fishing, camping, and environmental education programs. Camping and picnicking are available at Wagoner Road access, Alleghany access, and the US 221 access. The access at Alleghany can only be reached by canoe and offers eight sites and the access at 221 offers five primitive. Campers may park and carry their supplies to the nine campsites within the Wagner Road access, or canoe downstream to a take-out ramp at the campground. Thirty-three tables and 14 grills are available for picnicking. Restrooms and drinking water are available nearby at the park office. A 12-table, covered picnic shelter with fireplace and grill is available for group gatherings. Reservations are suggested. This area provides wheelchair accessible picnic shelter and restrooms.
Fishing is a favorite recreation along this river. The south and north forks of the river provide some of the best small mouth and red eye bass fishing in the region. Trout fishing is excellent in the smaller, faster moving tributaries which are designated trout waters and are stocked regularly with rainbow and brown trout. Muskellunge have also been stocked. Regulations of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission must be obeyed.
Easy paddling and beautiful scenery make canoeing the New River a spectacular trip. Gentle waters with some rapids make it fun for the beginner as well as the more experienced paddler. Canoeists may leave their vehicles and launch canoes at the Wagoner Road access, or at the US 221 access. Canoes may also be launched from several bridges and roadways that cross the river. The park does not provide canoe rentals, however, private rentals are close by.
To arrange a special exploration of New River State Park for your group or class, contact the park office. Educational materials about New River State Park have been developed for grades 6-8 and are correlated to North Carolina’s competency-based curriculum in science, social studies, mathematics and English/language arts. The New River program focuses on basic river ecology and the aspects of the New River that make it unique. Accompanying the program is a teacher’s booklet and workshop, free of charge to educators. Call (336) 982-2587 or send email to new.river@ncmail.net to schedule a visit.
Park Hours: November-February 8 am-6 pm
March and October 8 am – 7 pm
April, May, and September 8 am – 8 pm
June-August 8 am – 9 pm
Office hours: 8 am -5 pm Monday – Friday
Visit New River State Park and discover its unspoiled beauty. Upon your visit to the New River State Park you will view some of the most beautiful NC Mountain Real Estate you have ever seen. Learn more about Blue Ridge Mountain Real Estate in our region here in Northwestern North Carolina by visiting A1 Mountain Realty in downtown West Jefferson. West Jefferson is only a few minutes' drive from the park and we are located in the center of town right on main street. A1 Mountain Realty is a Ashe County Real Estate firm and we thrive on helping our clients with the buying and selling process. Client satisfaction is a high priority for us. Learn more about our West Jefferson NC Real Estate Agents from our website www.a1mountainrealty.com and while on our website be sure to check out the Downtown West Jefferson Webcam from the home page, view the downtown area and a ominous view of Mt. Jefferson. We invite you to stop in our office any time, or give us a call today at 336-846-4900.
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